The pop star wrote a Tumblr post explaining that she had asked her mom to get a health screening for Christmas. “The results came in, and I’m saddened to tell you that my mom has been diagnosed with cancer,” Swift said in the post. “I’d like to keep the details of her condition and treatment plans private, but she wanted you to know.”

Swift added that it was important to her mom that her fans knew as well.

“She wanted you to know because your parents may be too busy juggling everything they’ve got going on to go to the doctor, and maybe you reminding them to go get checked for cancer could possibly lead to an early diagnosis and an easier battle.”